Four Pass- Maroon

[sarahhaubert]

I searched the archives trying to find out why almost every trip report starts at Maroon and didn't find it. Is it mileage? I can't even find the route info for starting at Snowmass or Lead King, just vague references.

Personally, I'd do nearly anything to avoid Maroon Creek Rd...unless anyone knows if it's true that cars can drive it before 8am?

[spiderman]

Starting at Snowmass adds a bunch of miles to the route. Probably about 12 miles more RT from the Snowmass Creek TH. Lead King is probably a reasonable starting point if your vehicle can get there. Whenever I did a hike in the Maroon Bell area, I would drive up the night before when cars are allowed up to the TH. Apparently the road is closed only between 9 AM and 5 PM.

Bring a bear cannister.

[ChrisG26_2]

Is the West Maroon TH near Schofield Pass the Lead King approach? I prefer it over starting from the Bells. It add about 1.5 miles. Coming from the Springs, the driving time is about the same as Aspen/Maroon Bells and you can avoid the crowds.

[alsrun]

The Lead King approach can be gotten to via the road that passes by the West Maroon TH but it is an advanced 4WD approach. Many folks go through Marble to get to LK Basin. Since I live in Crested Butte, I take the West Maroon TH to do the 4-pass loop and I do it clockwise so I go over Frigid Air Pass first and spend my first night in Fravert Basin.

[Tory Wells]

Maroon Lake is the perfect starting/ending point, IMO. Yes, you can drive up the road and park at the TH if you are starting early, which is pretty much mandatory for the loop-in-a-day option. It's easy to get to, has a bathroom, the Bells are beautiful in the morning alpen glow, and you are so close to Aspen when you finish (= cheeseburgers, milkshakes, and beer for your post-run celebration). The only down side is all the tourists when you finish, but they are easily ignored.

[pmeadco]

Is the West Maroon TH near Schofield Pass the Lead King approach? I prefer it over starting from the Bells. It add about 1.5 miles. Coming from the Springs, the driving time is about the same as Aspen/Maroon Bells and you can avoid the crowds.

No, the West Maroon Trail is different from the Lead King approach, which is further west.

I've done it from both West Maroon and the Maroon Lake sides. Either way is fine. I appreciate the simplicity and lower price of the West Maroon entrance. I also like to hang out in Crested Butte more than I do Aspen.

[sarahhaubert]

Ahhhh this is so useful you guys thank you! The beta on Lead King and this West Maroon alternative was exactly the kind of magic I was hoping for. Stoked.

[Cool Hand Luke]

Maroon Creek Road to the Bells is closed to private vehicles from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM starting last year. If you're at the gate at 8:01 they will likely turn you around.

Also, the exemption for overnight hikers is no longer in place to be allowed to drive up between 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM.